Kyle Shanahan was just as impressed as the fans with the San Francisco 49ers' defensive line performance against the New England Patriots on Sunday. The unit recorded a season-high six sacks on quarterback Jacoby Brissett, helping secure a 30-13 victory.
What made the feat even more remarkable was that the defensive line achieved it without star defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, who will likely miss the rest of the season due to a partially torn triceps.
Defensive end Nick Bosa, who regularly addresses the team the night before games, aimed part of his pre-game message at his defensive line teammates.
"I told the guys, told the D-line guys in our meeting last night that we've lost some guys, but I haven't lost confidence in this group one bit, and that's the truth," Bosa said. "So I think we're going to be just fine."
Bosa, Maliek Collins, Kevin Givens, and Evan Anderson each sacked Brissett at least once, with Givens leading the way with 2.5 sacks. Sam Okuayinonu, promoted to the active roster on Saturday, earned the highest pass-rush grade of the game (91.0) from Pro Football Focus, recording three pressures in just 10 pass-rushing snaps. Shanahan took notice of the group's dominant effort.
"Oh, it's huge," Shanahan told reporters on Monday. "I thought the defense as a whole, and especially the D-Line, really rose to the occasion for that game. Just with what's happened the last two weeks and losing Javon last week, their backs were a little bit against the wall, and Jordan Elliott (knee) going out in that game in the second quarter that made it real tough, too. And he played real well when he was in, but then losing him made us down in numbers."
Like Bosa, Shanahan remains confident in the defensive line's ability to overcome adversity. Players like Okuayinonu have been standout performers in practice, and on Sunday, he answered the call, having been elevated from the practice squad twice before.
"Guys stepped it up," Shanahan continued. "Sam O, who got his opportunity, he got it, I think, for the first time two weeks ago, but he's been a beast in practice. And to watch him carry it over to the games is kind of what I'd like to say we expected because he's been such a pain in practice and in a good way just for our offense to deal with. And it was cool to see him do it to somebody else here on Sunday."
After the game, Bosa praised Okuayinonu's potential and impact.
"I always knew what he had in his body," Bosa said. "He came in last year late, and then you see him in camp, he had a really strong camp, and then he had an injury—I think a hamstring or something. So it kind of set him back. He probably played no more than 15 plays (against the Patriots) and probably affected 10 of them. So to have a guy like that, to give some of our starters a rest and make an impact like that, it's huge for us."
The 49ers also hope to get defensive tackle Kalia Davis back soon, further strengthening the defensive front. Davis has been on injured reserve since August due to a knee injury.
"He is close," Shanahan said. "There's a good chance we open his window this week. I'd be surprised if it's not open for Wednesday's practice."
Next up for the 49ers: an NFC West clash with the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium on Sunday.
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